Winter Activities

 

Winter at Curecanti National Recreation Area provides exceptional opportunities for ice fishing, ice skating, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.

Preparedness is the key when recreating at Curecanti in winter. Very cold temperatures, snowstorms, varying thicknesses of ice, and intense high-elevation sunshine each present challenges to visitors. The National Park Service does not monitor ice conditions. Visitors are responsible for their own safety and decision making.

 

Be Prepared, Stay Safe

Winter Safety Tips at Curecanti

 

Ice Fishing

Blue Mesa Reservoir offers ice fishing opportunities, conditions permitting. It is your responsibility to check ice conditions before traveling on ice. Anglers must have a valid Colorado State fishing license and obey bag and possession limits. Anglers must follow Colorado ice fishing regulations, including:

• Ice fishing holes cannot exceed 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter, or 10 inches (25 cm) on any side.
• All fires on the ice must be enclosed in a container.
• No litter allowed on the ice.
• On the frozen surface of Blue Mesa Reservoir, vehicles may not exceed 1200 lbs.
• Only portable ice fishing shelters are allowed on the frozen surfaces of Blue Mesa Reservoir. Portable ice fishing shelters must be removed at the end of every day.

 

Ice Skating

Winters of cold temperatures and little snow create conditions for ice skating at Curecanti's reservoirs. Avoid skating alone and check ice conditions before traveling on ice.

 

Snowmobiling

Depending on ice conditions, the frozen surface of Blue Mesa Reservoir may be traveled. Snowmobile travel is limited to the frozen surface of Blue Mesa Reservoir and on established access roads to the reservoir only. Maximum gross weight is 1,200 pounds (544 kg) for machine and cargo combined.

• Speeds over 45 mph prohibited.
• Avoid interfering with other recreators.
• Do not disturb wildlife. Snowmobile access may be limited to reduce stress to wintering wildlife during harsh winters.

 

Cross-country Skiing

There are no groomed ski trails. However, some areas offer good skiing to those who enjoy the challenge of following loosely-established routes.

Iola Basin

Ski the frozen surface of Blue Mesa Reservoir at Iola Basin, located 10 miles (16 km) west of Gunnison. Watch for wintering bald eagles flying overhead or perched in barren trees. Caution: Check ice conditions before skiing and avoid ice fishing holes. Suitable for all skiing abilities.

East Elk Creek

Located one mile (1.6 km) west of Elk Creek Visitor Center on Highway 50. Ski the level road to the East Elk Creek Picnic Area, for a roundtrip distance of 1.5 miles (2.4 km). Suitable for all skiing abilities. This area is closed to all access from March 1 through August 15 each year, for protection of wildlife habitat.

Red Creek

Begins 4 miles (6.4 km) west of the Elk Creek Visitor Center on U.S. Highway 50. Ski or snowshoe the road which leads to Red Creek Campground or continue beyond the campground toward the West Elk Wilderness Area of the Gunnison National Forest, for about 6 miles (9.7 km). Terrain is steep. Suitable for intermediate and advanced abilities.

 

Hiking and Snowshoeing

Curecanti's hiking trails are open year-round. The difficulty of trails varies greatly in winter, depending on snow conditions. Trails are not marked in winter, and could be difficult to follow when snow-covered, often requiring snowshoes or other shoe-traction devices. Check Curecanti's weather forecast before departing, and follow proper winter safety precautions.